IF there was any doubt about Zimbabwe Original Rhythms of Africa (ZORA) music star Leonard Zhakata’s pedigree, then one had to be at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) for his 21st album launch last Friday to witness the musician’s unparalleled skill.
Not only does the album retain, for the first time in more than a decade, the ‘original’ Zhakata flair, it also maintains his wordsmith trademark.
Titled Mutunga Dzese, the seven-track album launch was a fun-filled night that saw musicians Alick Macheso, Sulumani Chimbetu and Peter Moyo joining Zhakata as he officially unveiled his latest offering.
The soft-spoken diminutive Zhakata, in his speech, thanked the artistes who came to support him.
“I am happy to be supported by the musicians here,” he said.
“If we keep this unity, definitely we will do better in the industry.”
Zhakata introduced his wife, Mai Chamu, to the public at the launch much to the delight of the gathering.
The owner of Herentals Group of Colleges, an avid Zhakata fan, Innocent Dambudzo Benza and long-time sponsor of the musician, bought the new CD for
US$2 000 cash.
Benza, who was accompanied by his family to the stage, thanked Zhakata for his humility, describing the album launch as an ‘exceptional’ event.
“This is a great honour for us as Zhakata fans and we will keep giving him the support he requires,” said Benza.
Zhakata opened the act with the song ‘Zvine Mwaka’, which was well-received by his fans.
Macheso and his band members, dancer Majuice and drummer, Obert Gomba, joined Zhakata on the song ‘Mugove’.
For the first time, the ‘Hupenyu Mutoro’ hit-maker had a collaboration with Chimbetu and Progress Chipfumo on the song ‘Madam Boss’ which is proving a hit.
Zhakata believes the latest offering is one of his best productions and is optimistic the new album will make it big on the local music scene.
“I have done all that I can for the people and we hope they will accept it,” he said.
In his speech at the launch, Macheso said it was high time musicians set aside their differences and worked together.
“Unity is key and this is the time we should set aside our differences and work together to give our fans real value for their money,” he said.
Gone are the days, said Macheso, when national events like galas would unite them.
“We used to be brought together by national events like galas, but now they are hardly done and do we have to wait for someone to tell us we need unity?” he quipped.
‘Zvine Mwaka’, the inspirational musician said, is about not giving up on one’s dreams.
He said while patience was a virtue, there were instances when people had to force their way by discarding the word ‘surrender’
In ‘Mutunga Dzese’, the title track, the musician, true to his new-found religion, says the times we live in today require that we look up to God for inspiration, salvation and protection.
He says people in their state of frustration should not resort to insults.
We live in difficult times and as such we should open our eyes spiritually and turn to God for salvation, says Zhakata.
In the song ‘Moyo Wekutenda’ the artist emphasises the importance of the family unit.
The talented musician says parents must be thanked for giving life to their children.
In turn, he says children must be a source of pride and joy to their parents and must never forget those who brought them into the world.
He gives prominence to the everlasting love of parents and how that love must inspire children to do good, not only to the parents, but to everyone.
‘Wauya Nei’ is a narrative about those who survive on ‘milking’ others.
Such people, he says, are bent on having skewed friendships in which they are the only beneficiaries.
According to the artiste, such people need God to cleanse their deceptive mindsets.
Other songs on the album are ‘Tsvimbo Dzehumambo’ and ‘Kuzvarwa Kwemutumwa’.
The album, produced by high-riding producer Oskid, hit the streets last Saturday and I personally rate it seven out of 10.